First came the American League Cy Young Award in 2010. Then, last year’s perfect game.

But KPLU sports commentator Art Thiel says nothing compares to the outpouring of emotion he witnessed this week at Safeco Field as the Mariners’ Felix Hernandez signed a contract that makes him the highest-paid pitcher in baseball.

Seahawks fans may have nothing but contempt for their division rivals the San Francisco 49ers. But when it comes to who to cheer for in the Super Bowl, KPLU sports commentator Art Thiel explains why it’s good to root for the 49ers over the Baltimore Ravens.

The agreement to sell the Sacramento Kings to a Seattle investment group - with the goal of moving the team to Seattle - is not a slam dunk. It still needs NBA approval. And momentum is growing in Sacramento to try to keep the Kings there.

KPLU sports commentator Art Thiel tries to clear up some of the confusion Seattle fans may have about what's going on.

A dramatic comeback was not enough for the Seahawks Sunday. They lost to the Falcons 30-28 in the NFC Divisional playoff game in Atlanta. Find out what one longtime Seattle sports fan has to say about it.

Two rookie quarterbacks who've shined in the regular season will go head-to-head Sunday in Washington D.C., as Russell Wilson and the Seahawks go up against Robert Griffin III and the Redskins in the first round of the NFC playoffs.

The Seahawks are still very much in the running for the playoffs. That's why KPLU sports commentator Art Thiel thinks there's some sort of strategy around their two star cornerbacks and the status of their appeals of NFL substance abuse violations.

The Seahawks claim it's not a distraction. But KPLU sports commentator Art Thiel begs to differ. Star cornerbacks Richard Sherman and Brandon Browner will be playing under a cloud of controversy this Sunday in Chicago, as they appeal a reported violation of the NFL's drug policy.

Washington State University's athletic department and the Pac-12 are each investigating claims of abuse by first-year head football coach Mike Leach. The often controversial coach denies the claims being leveled by former star receiver Marquess Wilson, who quit the team.

KPLU sports commentator Art Thiel says, no matter who's right in this case, it sheds light on the long-overlooked issue of players' rights - or lack of them - in college sports.

KPLU sports commentator Art Thiel has a bone to pick with some Seahawks fans. He's baffled by the action of several season ticket holders following the Seahawks' controversial victory over the Green Bay Packers Monday night, at the hands of replacement referees.

As the parabola of Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson’s final pass became apparent – in play, in the end zone – there was no doubt that the Seahawks, the Packers, a stadium of fans, and the world that cares about Monday Night Football were about to witness the worst collision between clown cars in the history of the circus.

Yes. Loopy went overtime, grabbed a snack and came back on the field to kick a pointless point. Ten minutes after the game was over, it was over-over: Seattle 14, Green Bay 12, but the controversy over this outcome will finish the moment the sun goes supernova.

In a city that's known for being passive-aggressive, it might sound funny to some Seattleites to hear their football team described as simply aggressive. Some are calling the team "a bunch of thugs" after their rout of the Cowboys last Sunday at CenturyLink Field.

A revised agreement for a new Seattle sports arena that was unveiled this week got people talking again about the future of KeyArena. As part of the amended deal with lead investor Chris Hansen, the city negotiated $7 million for upgrades to KeyArena and a study about its future.

That future may not include the Seattle Storm, according to KPLU sports commentator Art Thiel.

When it comes to getting their hopes up early on in the season for any Seattle sports team, many fans instead put up their defenses. That may be happening to some people in the wake of the Seahawks' perfect preseason record of 4-0.

As the Hawks gear up for the start of the regular season Sunday in Arizona, some fans are keeping the team at arms' length. KPLU sports commentator Art Thiel explains why.

The Washington Huskies ended their season last year with a 67-56 loss to Baylor in the Alamo Bowl. As they gear up for 2012, they face an even tougher schedule. UW opens the season Saturday night vs. San Diego State.

KPLU sports commentator Art Thiel will have more on the Huskies stiff competition this season, coming up tomorrow morning at 5:30 and 7:30 on 88.5 KPLU. Check back here for a blog of our conversation.